Gold medallist's plan to open first sumo club

A gold medal-winning wrestler has said he hopes to open what is believed to be the first sumo wrestling club in West Yorkshire.

Plans have been submitted to Bradford Council to transform a former coach depot in Bingley into a martial arts studio.

The project is being led by Alex Gent, who won gold in the men's lightweight category of the British Sumo Federation Championships in 2025.

Planning documents state that Gent's company, Axivium, formerly known as Martial Weapons Academy, wants to refurbish the dilapidated depot on Ash Terrace into a studio for 10 students at a time.

In the documents, Gent, who has provided martial arts training across Bingley and Keighley since 2014, described sumo as the "next venture" for the martial arts business and said that, if approved, it would be the first such club in West Yorkshire.

Originating in Japan and regarded as the country's national sport, sumo sees two wrestlers attempt to force one another out of a circular ring.

While familiar to many through popular culture, dedicated clubs remain few across the north of England.

The planning application stated that Gent's company previously operated as The Keighley Aikido Club and was based out of training space in the town, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

It said the Covid pandemic had forced the space to close, but teaching had continued through online sessions and at other venues.

Explaining the need for a permanent base, the application said: "As the club continues to grow and host more physical classes, it now requires its own dedicated space."

The applicant argued that the scheme would improve both the building and its surroundings by bringing a long-term vacant site back into use.

If approved, the studio would open between 10:00 and 22:00 on weekdays and 08:00 to 20:00 on weekends.

A decision on the application is expected before the end of the year.

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